2D and 3D Ultrasound to Improve Chemoembolization in Liver Cancer
Official title: 2D and 3D Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Evaluation of Chemoembolization.
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11401124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at using advanced ultrasound to better guide chemoembolization for liver cancer and ensure fewer repeat procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 23, 2016 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,704,809 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA194307-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with liver cancer (HCC or other liver tumors) treated with TACE who may need close imaging follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing TACE or without liver tumors would not directly benefit from this imaging-focused study.
What this research studies
This project tests 2D and 3D contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to monitor and improve transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for liver cancers, aiming to catch residual disease earlier than standard CT/MRI methods. By comparing CEUS to CT/MRI across multiple centers, the study seeks to show whether CEUS can help doctors decide if retreatment is needed sooner. The work builds on prior findings that CEUS detects remaining tumor activity more sensitively, potentially reducing unnecessary imaging delays. If CEUS proves reliable, it could change follow-up care and help transplant candidates receive timely, personalized treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients could experience earlier detection of residual disease and more timely retreatment, improving outcomes and potentially preserving transplant options.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier CEUS studies showed higher sensitivity for detecting residual disease after TACE compared with CT/MRI.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisenbrey, John — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Eisenbrey, John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Dose-Dependent Brain Wire Modulation with Light Ultrasound in Deep White Matter
A small early study tests whether gentle, noninvasive ultrasound can change how deep brain white matter tracts work in healthy adults.
-
Ultrasound-guided brain circuit targets for treatment-resistant depression
This grant tests whether focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly adjust brain circuits linked to negative mood in people with treatment-resistant depression.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Brain ultrasound and microcirculation to understand early brain development in HIV-exposed uninfected infants
We’re studying how brain ultrasound and blood flow patterns in newborns exposed to HIV and antiretroviral drugs (but not infected) relate to their early neurodevelopment.
-
A 3D ultrasound scanner to see early chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A new 3D ultrasound imaging method will be tested to see if it can quickly show whether breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.